Mounting style
How the internals attach to the case — the "bounce".
Mounting style describes how the plate and PCB attach to the case, which governs flex and the cushioning of each keystroke. It ranges from rigid (tray, top mount) to soft and bouncy (gasket mount). It is an enthusiast-level detail — if in doubt, gasket mount is the modern crowd-pleaser, and it is fine to defer to whatever a chosen kit offers.
The PCB/plate screws to posts in the bottom of the case. The classic, cheapest method — can feel slightly uneven but is totally fine and very common.
The plate screws to the top half of the case for a firm, consistent, uniform typing feel. Popular on higher-end boards.
The plate is held between strips of soft gasket material, isolating it from the case for a cushioned bounce and a softer, more uniform sound. The headline feature of most modern premium boards.
This is genuinely optional. Pick "no preference / kit default" and let the chosen keyboard kit decide — most good kits are gasket mounted anyway.
Every choice you'll see for this decision in the builder.
Plate floats on soft gaskets for a forgiving bounce and a uniform, muted sound. The headline feature of most premium kits today.
- Cushioned, comfy typing
- Soft, uniform sound
- Most sought-after feel
- Costs more
- Bounce is subjective
A rigid, uniform feel that many typists love. Common on quality boards before gasket mount took over.
- Firm, consistent feel
- Stable
- Clean sound
- Less forgiving than gasket
- No bounce
The traditional, economical method found on most keyboards. Perfectly good, if slightly less even than the others.
- Cheapest, most common
- Simple & sturdy
- Easy to service
- Can feel uneven near screws
- Less refined sound
A completely valid choice. Most good kits are gasket mounted; let the specific keyboard you pick determine this.
- One less thing to worry about
- Widest kit selection
- Usually still gasket anyway
- Less control over feel